Daily Archives: 2009-11-13

At a press conference in Tegucigalpa this evening, the Dutchman Hans Van Baalen, member of the European Parliament, announced that the Liberal International congress two weeks ago had elected the Honduran president Roberto Micheletti as one of its vice presidents. The selection was motivated by the brave and corageous way in which Micheletti has defended democracy in Honduras, and the importance of the work of Micheletti in defending liberal democracy in all of Latin America.

Drove through the city this morning, passing the airport, the Brazilian Embassy, and the Casa Presidencial (the equivalent of the White House). Everything is very calm, actually more so than what I saw during my last visit (2 years ago almost to the day).

The city is filled with campaign posters for the upcoming presidential elections. On TV this morning I saw a commercial that gave the viewer the choice “¿Vos o Chávez?” (you or Chavez?). That is not a commercial for or against any candidate, but for voting (thus serving your interests) or for not voting (thus serving Chavez’s interests).

Last night we heard an explosion. According to AP it was an anti-tank grenade (RPG) that overshot its target by 500 m and exploded on an empty lot. Apparently the intent was to blow open the doors to where election material was stored. Remains indicate an origin in Russia, from where Chávez has purchased much of his weaponry. These are the kind of things expected from Chávez now in the last few weeks before the election. However, it reveals that the “resistencia” does not have sufficient capacity for carrying out effective terrorists acts without foreign logistical help. There is thus no reason to suspect that they will succeed in de-railing the elections – although try they will, because that is Chavez’s best remaining card.

Hurricane Ida passed over Nicaragua and up towards the US, bringing rain over Honduras for many days in the process. But just as sunshine comes after rain, so will a new day of proseperity dawn over Honduras after this year’s extraordinary political crisis.

Sunshine after hurricane Ida in Honduras.

Honduras has ceased to be a banana republic years ago, and is increasingly becoming a tourist destination, apart from the industrial manufacturing for export. The most well-known aattractions are the Bay Islands, visited by cruise ships from Miami, and the maya ruins of Copán. Less well-known is the stunningly beautiful Lake Yojoa, between Tegucigalpa and San Pedro Sula.

Honduyate marina by Lago de Yojoa, yesterday

A visitor will find that Honduras is a very friendly place. On the flip side, one has to take precautions due to the high crime rate. However, most tourists will probably stay in nice hotels and follow tours, not like me travel with the locals.

This blog's author on Lago de Yojoa

You will also find that there is some great food in Honduras, and as I said, very friendly people. I can absolutely recommend visiting the country, especially in December to February which are “summer” months here. It is perfect for enjoying the beaches at Tela, for instance, such as Tela Mar, or visiting Hotel Gloria by Lago de Yojoa.

Ulf Erlingsson

Purpose

This blog was originally set up to inform about the events of the political crisis in Honduras 2009, and that information can still be found in the archives. The content gradually shifted to debate reforms aimed at increasing democracy under the rule of law, and thus raise the standard of living for all in the country. Among the crucial factors for sustainable development we find science. It is maintained by Ulf Erlingsson, D.Sc.